Typewriting machine frame



March 1947- L. c. MYERS TYPEWRITING MACHINE FRAME INVENTOR Lewis (Z fly5.5: Wu ww W 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 2, 1944 lllll.

lllll I l l l ||I|Ill. I I l I l l ll l l I I I I 1| l Myers 7 W %-fATTOI NEY5 March 25, 1947.

L c. MYERS TYPEWRITING MACHINE FRAME Filed June 2, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2W ATTORNEYS v INVETOR Lewis (Differs BY" K km M 7 Patented Mar. 25, 1947UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TYPEWRITING MACHINE FRAME Lewis G. Myers,Freeport, N, Y., assignor to Royal Typewriter Compa y, Inc, New York, N.Y., a

corporation of New York Application June 2, 1944, Serial No. 538,448

Claims. (01. 197-186) This invention relates to typewriting or likemachines and more particularly to masks or covers for such machinesequipped with closures or pancls adapted to be displaced or moved fromopen ings in the mask or frame walls for rendering mechanism mountedwithin the masks accessible for adjusting, cleaning, or servicing.

In many commercial machines of the class referred to the mask or framewalls are formed with openings which normally are closed by removablepanels or inserts held in the openings. by friction grip lugs or similarfastening devices. In. order to remove the closures or panels it hasbeen necessary to raise the mask hood and insert a screw driver or othertool inside of thetmask and-to pry the panel or closure loose. V a r Anobject of the present invention is to-provide a typewriter or likemachinein which "a frame or mask housing the operating mechanism isformed with an access opening normally COV-i ered by a closure or panelwhich is mounted on the mask or frame so as to be readily movable toopen position by the simple operation of disengaging a latch or likefastener. .1 i

Another object of the invention is toprovide a construction of thecharacter referred to in which the latch or other means for normallyholding the panel or closure in closed position is capable of preventingthe panel or closure from rattling during operation of the machine.

v Another object of the invention is to providea typewriter or likemachine includinga-mask or frame formed with an access opening normallyclosed by a panel or closure mounted on the frame or mask by hinges soconstructed as tofacilitate assembly of the closure or panel on theframe or mask and which, furthermore, are so constructed as to beunobstructive or substantially invisible from the outside of themachine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the classreferred to including a hinged vertical panel or closure and a hingedtophood adapted to interengage with the top of the 'vertical panel forholding the latter in closed posi- :ion when the hood is in its lower ornormal posiion. 7

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction of thekind referred to in which handles connected to parts of the mechanismrequiring adjustment or manipulation from time to time during the normaluse-:of the machine project through apertures in a closure or panelwhichis hinged to the main frameso as to be displaceable to open position toprovide accessto parts of the mechanism requiring less frequent attention, there being sufficient clearance between the apertures referred toand thehandles for enabling the closure or panel to be swung to its openposition without contacting-the handles,

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading ofthe following description of a preferred embodiment, the appendedclaims, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a typewriterembodying the invention with some parts broken away and others shown invertical section.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary detail vertical section drawn on an enlargedscale and showing a latch device for releasably holding a hinged frontwall panel or closure in its normal closed upright po-- sition andindicating the open position ofthe panel in dotted lines to show thecooperation of a spring latch finger with a stop carried-by themainframe; f l i i Figure 3 is a rear elevational view drawn on areduced scale as compared to Figure 1 and show-. ingthe hinged mountinof the movable front panel or closure on a lower fixed front wall frameportion. The parts are shown as viewed in elevation when looking in thedirection of the arrows 3-3 in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showingthe lower frontwallportion and the upper front panel or closure in separated relationin order more clearly to illustrate hinge parts formed respectively onthe two front wall parts.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken axiallythrough a part of the hinge connection between the: lower front wallportion and the movable upper front panel or closure.

Figure 6 is a section on the irregular line B -6 of Figure 1 and drawnon an enlarged scale;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary horizontal section on the line l-l of Figure6; and

V Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical section on theline 8-8 of Figure 6.

The invention is illustrated as being embodied in a typewriting machinewhich, except for the displaceable panels or covers. and associated part's, has the same generalconstructlon as the well known Royal standardtypewriter. Among the well known parts illustrated is a main frame Ahaving right and left side wall members H] and iii-respectively and atop shelf H. Key

front cross bar l8 mounts a pivot rod I9 on which is mounted a pluralityof type action front levers one of which is shown at 29. A link 2| isconnected in the usual manner between the illustrated front lever 29 andone of the key levers l2, and a link 22 is connected between the frontlever and a type bar 23 pivoted on a type bar segment 24. Other keylevers it! are connected through other and similar type actions to othertype bars mounted on the segment 24. The usual type bar head rest isshown at 25.

The upper front cross bar l8 also provides a pivotal mounting at 19 fora lever 26 connected in the usual manner through a link 2'! to tabularstop clear mechanism (not shown). Th lever 26 is adapted to be operatedfrom time to time during normal use of the machine by means of a fingerpiece or push key 28 which projects forwardly beyond the front of themachine frame. Also extending forwardly beyond the front of the framefor'operation from time to time during normal use of the machine arefinger pieces including a ribbon reverse handle 29, ribbon reverse knob30, bichrome stencil stop handle 3|, and tabular stop set key stem 32.

Other conventional parts shown include a platen 33 and a topcover orhood member 34 which is hinged or pivoted at 35 on brackets 38 carriedby th frame top shelf l. The hood 34 is urged to its raised or dottedline position shown in Figure l by coiled springs, one of which is shownat 31.

7 As previously stated, an object of the invention is to provide aconstruction enabling panels or closures to b displaceable easily fromtheir normal or closed positions in order to provide access to parts'ofthe mechanism housed within the main frame or mask. In accordance withthe inventionpanels normally closing openings in the frame or mask wallsare adapted to be released and thereby opened by the simple expedient ofpressing a button or otherwise releasing a catch or fastening device.

It frequently is desirable to obtain access to the mechanism adjacentthe frame side walls. Accordingly the sidewalls l8 and Ill are formedrespectively with access openings 38-38 adapted normally to be coveredby closure members or panels 39 and 39 respectively. The right handclosure ,(the closureat the front as viewed in Figure l) is adapted whenin closed position to' lie within the opening 38. and is formed with aflange 49 which stiffens the closure and which may also engage a lip 4|formed on the frame or mask wall'lu for limiting inward or closingmovement of the panel 39.

Hingemeans generally designated 42 are provided. adjacent opposite endsof the closure 39 for mounting it to swing about an axis adjacent thebottom of the opening 38. The hinge means 4 spectively for urging theclosure to swing outwardly to the open position indicated in dottedlines in Figure 6. Outward swinging of the closure to this position islimited by engagement of the outside bottom surface of the closure withthe edge portion 38 of the bottom wall of the opening 38.

In accordance with the invention the hinge means 42 mounting the panel39 within the opening 38 and the springs 58 for urging the panel to openposition are substantially hidden so as not to produce an unsightlyoutside appearance of the mask. Th hinge means 42 are so constructed asinherently to provide this advantage. In order to hide the springs 50from view the panel 39 is formed with two shroud portions 5! curvedconcentrically with the sleeves 43 and 44 so as to 42 may be ofidentical construction so that only one need be described. Each hingemeans 42 comprises a pair of spaced axially aligned sleeves 43-43 formedintegrally with the bottom edge duced diameter stems 49 projectingtoward each other inthe space between the two hinge sleeves fle -44. Acoiled spring 59 surrounding the stems- 49 is preloaded so that itsopposite end portions 4 press against the lug 41 and the closure 39 re:-

shield the springs 50 from view and so as to merge with the flange 40 toform a continuous arcuate edge along the bottom of the panel 39.

Another feature of the invention consists in the provision of novel andimproved means for latching the panel 39 in its closed position in amanner to prevent rattling. In the form shown a keeper member 52 isconnected as by spot weld ing to the inside of the panel 39 and has alooking or latching part formed with a notch having inclined walls 53-53which converge toward each other at the root or bottom of the notch. Alatch lever member 54 is pivoted on a bearing 55 carried by a framebracket 55 which mounts a tie rod shown in part at 51 in Figure 6. Thelever 54 is formed with a looking or latching part 58 adapted to bemoved into the notch so as to engage simultaneously both inclined wall53-53. The latching part 58 normally is held yieldably in the notchunder the urge of a spring 59 interposed between and connectedrespectively to the key lever fulcrum l3 and an operating arm formingpart of the latch lever 54. A handle 8| connected to the arm 80 extendsthrough an aperture 62 in the side wall ID, the outwardly projecting endof the. handle 8| being equipped with afinger knob piece 63.

Normally the closure or panel 39 is positioned within the opening 38 asshown in Figure 6. The spring 59 urges the latch lever 54 so as to causethe lever latching part 58 to press simultaneously in substantiallyopposite directions on the notch walls 53 which at this time straddlethe latch part 58. In this way the latch part 58 holds the keeper 52 andthe panel 39 firmly against rocking in eitherdirection so as effectivelyto prevent even slight movement of the panel 39 which would causerattling when the machine is operated. Figure 6 shows the panel flange4|! in engagement with the frame lip 4|, but it will be understood that,making allowances for manufacturing tolerances, there may be a verysmall clearance between the flange 49 and the lip 4| which would permitmovement of the panel 39 and rattling ifthe latch parts 5852 were not sointerengaged as to hold the panel 39 against swinging in eitherdirection.

In order to provide'access through the frame side wall opening 38 it isnecessary only to press on the finger knob 83 to rock the lever 54'anddisengage the latching part 58 from the keeper 52. This releases thepanel 39 and enables the springs 50 to swing the panel outwardlyto theopen position shown in dotted lines at 39 in Figure 6. 7 V The leftclosure or panel 39" may be forms and equipped with a-latch similarly tothe closure Constructions embodying-the invention may also include acover or panel disposed at the front of the machine frame and mounted soas to be displaceable for providing access for easily changing theribbon spools or cleaning or servicing the parts more easily than can bedone by merely lifting the hood 34 in accordance with thepracticeheretofore usually followed: In the illustrative embodiment theframe or mask includes a relatively fixed lower front wall mem her orportion 6 4 secured-to the lower front cross bar l6 by screws 65 whichalso serve to mount the comb guide IE on the cross bar l5. 5 An upperfront wall panel member or closure "66 is hinged along its bottom. edgeto thetop edge of the lower front wall member Bi and is adapted to beswung from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to the dotted line oropen position for providing access to mechanism inside of the mask. 1

The hinge means for mounting the panel or closure 65 on the wall portion64 is similar to the hinge means 42 referred to in the description ofthe mounting of the panel 39 on the frame wall ill. The lower front wallportion 64 is formed with hinge sleeves 61 67*, 61, 61 61*, 61, and theupper panel 66 is formed with sleeves 68 68', 68, 68 68 The hingesleeves on the wall portion 64 and the panel 66 are positioned so as tobe interfitted as shown clearly in Figures ,3 and 4. A hinge pin .59,extends through the sleeves 68, '6', 68 andflil and is'formed with areduced diameter stem 59. A'hinge pin I extends through the sleeves 6158, and ii! and is formed at its opposite-ends with reduced diameterstems 10 and 79 I. A hinge pin 1! extends through the s'leevesfia 67 58and 61 and is formed with a reduced diameterstem H frame wall portion 64and, the panel 66. to urge the latter toward its open position.

In order to render the spring 32 and 13 invisible from the front of'themachine the lower front wall portion 64 is formed integrally withshrouds 61 and 61* which are curved con'oentrically with the associatedhinge sleeves and are positioned to cover the springs 12 and 13.

The hood M is so constructed that when it is in closed position itinterengages with the upper portion of the panel 56 for holding thelatter in its closed or substantially upright position. To this end thehood 34 is formed with a depending skirt 14 adapted to overlap or extendin front of the upper portion of the panel 65. When the hood 3d andpanel 86 are thus relatively positioned both are held releasably againstmovement by engagement of hood mounted looking or catch parts 5 withcatch or looking parts comprising resilient spring members 16 mountedona rearwardly ofiset ledge H at the top of the panel 65. When the parts34 and 66 are in the closed positions shown in full lines in Figure 1the hood looking or catch parts 14'l5 straddle the upper looking orcatch part of the panel 56 so as in effect to hold the panel in acushioned grip and prevent rattling. One or more stop lugs l5 secured tothe hood 3% are adapted to engage the ledge TI for limiting the downwardswinging of the hood 34.

It will be apparent that in order to lift the hood it is necessarymerely to press upwardly on the front of the hood sufficiently toovercome the holding action of the resilient spring latch parts 16. Attimes, for example when it is desired 'merely to clean the type heads,it is sufficient to lift the hood 34 without permitting the panel 66 tomove or to be moved to open position. Accordingly, means are providedwhich act independently 0f the hood 3A. for latching the panel 66 in itsclosed position. In the form shown a keeper 1B is secured as by spotwelding'to the inner surface of the lower front wall portion 64 and iscooperable with a spring latch finger 19 secured to the inside of thepanel iiiii The latch finger 19 is formed with a nose part 89 adapted toengage under a latch part 8! on the keeper. Operating means forreleasing the latch finger 19 from the keeper [8 includes a push button82 mounted to project through the lower front wall portion M. The pushbutton 82 is equipped with a stem 83 engaging a heel 84 at the lower endof the finger 19. A spring 85 surrounding the stem 83 urges the pushbutton'82 forwardly to its normal or inactive position, action of thespring 85 being limited by engagement of a stop pin 86 with the keeperHi. It will be apparent that when the push button 82 is moved rearwardlythe finger is will be flexed to disengage the nose from the keeper latchpart 8|, whereupon the springs l2 and it will swing the panel 66 to openposition providing, of course,. that the hood 34 previously has beenraised. it

In-order to prevent damage to the hinge connecting the front wall parts64 and 6t and in order to provide for bringingthe panel 66 quietly torest in its open position, astop 8'! is mounted on the frame cross barIt! so as to be engageable with the ,heel 84 of the spring latch finger79 when the panel. 66 moves to open position. Inasmuchfas the finger i9is resilient it will yield so: as to bring the panel 58 to rest quietlyand without any harmful shock or undesirable noise. The-front panel 66is formed with apertures 28*, 29 til 3| 32 for accommodatingrespectively'the parts 28,.29, 30, 3| and 32 previously referred to.These parts extend forwardly of the panel it when the latter is in itsclosed position so as to be accessible for manipulation from time totime during normal use of the machine without its being'necessary tomove the panel 65 to open position. The apertures are large enough toprovide sumcient clearance between the aperture walls and the adjustableparts projecting therethrough for enabling the panel 66 to move aboutits hinge without touching the adjustable parts.

The construction shown herein embodies the invention in the form nowpreferred but it will be understood that some changes may be madewithout departing from the invention as defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. In a typewriter or like machine, a frame; mechanism mounted on saidframe; a wall panel; hinge means mounting said panel on said frame toswing to normal position for at least partially enclosing said mechanismand to swing outwardly to open position for rendering said mechanismaccessible; a latch part on said frame; a spring latch finger on theinside face of said panel engageable with said latch part for holdingsaid panel in normal position; means for disengaging said latch fingerfrom said latch part to permit said panel to swing outwardly; and a stopon said frame engageable by said spring latch finger for bringing saidpanel'gently-to rest when ithas swung outwardly to a predeterminedposition;

2. In a typewriter or like machine, a frame; mechanism mounted on saidframe; a wall panel; hinge means mounting said panel on saidframe toswing to normal position for at least partially enclosing said mechanismand to swing outwardly to open position for rendering said mechanismaccessible; spring means urging said panel to swing outwardly to openposition; a latch part on said frame; a spring latch finger on theinside face of said panel engageable with said latch part for holdingsaid panel in normal position; means for disengaging said latch fingerfrom said latch part to permit said panel to swing outwardly; and a stopon said frame engageable by said spring latch finger for bringing saidpanel gently to rest when it has swung outwardly to a predeterminedposition.

3. In a typewriter or like machine, a frame; mechanism mounted on saidframe; a wall panel; hinge means mounting said panel on said frame .toswing to normal position for at least partially enclosing said mechanismand to swing outwardly to open position for rendering said'mechanismaccessible; a keeper on the inside of said frame; a spring latchfingerron the inside face of said panel and being engageable with saidkeeper for holding said panel in normal position; operating meansconnected to said finger and including a part extendin through saidframe to be accessible from outside the frame and panel for disengagingsaid spring latch finger from said keeper to permit said panelto swingoutwardly; and a stop on said frame engageable by said spring latch 8said hood and extending forwardly for engagement with said spring whensaid skirt overlaps said upper panel portion, whereby said panel upperportion with the spring carried thereby are resiliently gripped betweensaid skirt and said finger for bringing said panel to restgently when ithas swung outwardly to a predetermined open position.

- 4. In a typewriter or like machine, a frame; a top hood; means at therear of said hood for pivoting said hood on said'frame; a frontwallpanel; hinge means at the lower edge of said panel mounting said panelon said frame to swing about a horizontal axis to a normal substantiallyupright position and to an outer open position; a skirt on said hoodadapted to overlap the upper outside surface portion of said panel whenthe panel is in its normal position and said hood is closed; a springcarried by said panel upper portion and being exposed rearwardly of saidpanel; and a catch on the inside of the front portion of The followingreferences are of record in the file of. this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENT Number Name Date 1,510,563 Seib Oct. 7, 19242,163,949 Dobson June 27, 1939 "2,273,195 Helmond Feb. 17,1942 2,344118Wunderlich Mar. 14,-1944 40 83,572 Walter Oct. 27, 1868 282,850 CrouchAug.- '7, 1883 292,931 Mack Feb. 5, 1884 2,366,106 Helmond Dec. 26,194.4 2,210,569 Dobson Aug. 6,-1940 1,904,518 Pateman Apr. 18, 19332,326,312 Thompson Aug. 10,1943

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date "5. In a'typewriter or like machine,a frame; a top'hood; means atthe rear of said hood for pivoting saidhood on said frame; a front wall panel; hinge means at the lower edge ofsaid panel mounting said panel on said frame to swing about a horizontalaxis to a normal substantially upright position and to an outer openposition; a skirton' said hood adapted to overlap the upper outsidesurface portion of said-.panel when the panel is in its normal positionand said hood-"is closed;' a first catch part on said panel upperportion and being exposed rearwardly of'said panel; and a second catchpart on the inside of the front portion of said hood and extendingforwardly for catching engagement with said first catch part when saidskirt overlaps said upper panel portion, one of said catch partscomprising a spring whereby engagement of said catch parts witheachother will effect'resilient grippingof saidupper panel portion betweensaid skirt and said second catch part.

LEWIS c. MYERS;

REFERENCES CITED I 204,964 Br.

